5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Overview:

A 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech takes you on an epic one-way route through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the vast golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, rugged canyons, and the cinematic landscapes of the south.

Highlights:

Depart Fes early and climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a clean town featuring European-style alpine architecture.

Stop at the Azrou Cedar Forest to spot native wild Barbary macaques. Continue driving through the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley.

Arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Mount a camel for a sunset trek across the sand. Sleep in a luxury desert camp with traditional Berber music around a campfire.

Exploring the Merzouga Sahara

Morning: Wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. Eat a traditional nomad breakfast at camp.

Take a 4x4 excursion around the dunes. Visit Khamlia village to listen to authentic Gnawa spiritual music, and meet local nomad families.

Spend a second, relaxed night at a desert resort or auberge on the edge of the dunes to fully absorb the Sahara's peace.

Merzouga to Todra Gorge & Dades Valley

Morning: Leave the desert behind and stop at the traditional market town of Rissani.

Arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, walking through a massive limestone canyon with sheer walls towering 300 meters high.

Drive along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the vibrant Dades Valley. Check into a local riad overlooking the red rock canyon formations.

Dades Valley to Ait Ben Haddou & Marrakech

Drive through the Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Optional quick tour of Atlas Film Studios.

Tour the spectacular Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage fortified clay village featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Wind through the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m elevation). Arrive in vibrant Marrakech for the night.

Marrakech Half-Day Tour

Enjoy a half-day tour with a local guide to explore the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the intricate Bahia Palace, and more.

Before your final drop-off at Marrakech Airport.

Day 1: Fès — Midelt — Azrou — Ziz Valley — Merzouga.

After the breakfast Leaving Fez and going to Merzouga, passing through Ifrane to arrive at the cedar forests of Azrou where the wild monkeys are located.

It will be a good opportunity to take photos of the wilderness in Morocco.

Lunch in a small Berber village of Zaida.

We continue the way through the Atlas Mountains, enjoying the landscapes of Medilt to arrive at the small town of Rich, Erfoud in which we’ll feel the beginning of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet.

And then we will continue to Merzouga.

Overnight in traditional riad with dinner breakfast included.

Day 2: 4×4 (Off-road) Desert Safari — Nomad Villages — Black Desert.

We start the trip at 10:00 AM in the direction of Gnawa music. In a village of black people from Mali and Sudan.

After listening and dancing, our adventure will continue along the route of rally Paris Dakar, crossing the Desert track in the direction of the Mefes mines. After 30 minutes, we will drive through desert stones. It will be fantastic.

Midday, we stop the car for tea and lunch of Berber pizza in nomad land.

You will experience how the people can live in the desert, with sandstorms in the summer with very warm weather. After lunch, we will come back to your hotel.

Ride camels for an overnight at the camp with a private tent with private bathroom. Berber music.

On your way to the camp you will stop for a sunset over the dunes.

Overnight in traditional camp with dinner breakfast included.

Day 3: Merzouga — Berber Villages — Ouarzazate.

After breakfast and taking a shower in your camp, we start our journey to Ouarzazate through the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains (Tinjdad, Tinghir Todra Gorges, Boumalene-du-Dades).

We arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening/night.

Overnight in traditional riad with dinner breakfast included.

Day 4: Ouarzazate — Back to Marrakech through Tizi-n-Tichka.

Leaving Ouarzazate in the Morning, we will visit the majestic Atlas Mountains. Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass in Morocco, Tizi n’Tichka 2260m high, offering impressive views of valleys, mountains and many Berber villages nearby. Arrive in the evening.

Overnight in traditional riad with breakfast included.

Day 5: Marrakech – Marrakech Airport.

After your breakfast or your flight time we will pick you up from your accommodation to Marrakech airport.